Compare and contrast essay gives you an opportunity to write about the similarities and differences of the two selected objects. Comparison concentrates on similar points and contrast points out the differences.

You may choose to structure your essay by telling about one object first and then comparing it with the second one.

Though a better way to develop your essay is to compare each object by category.

The introduction serves to catch the reader’s attention. An extraordinary fact or a witty quotation may be an effective attention – grabber. At the beginning of your essay classify similarities and differences of the objects. Introduction also contains a thesis/ thesis statement that reveal the purpose of the essay. Use your introduction to state what you will compare and contrast and to identify the points of comparison.

It is important that body paragraphs should make a consistent narration. To achieve it use powerful topic sentences serving as transitions between the sections of the essay. To make the essay logical and at the same vivid and varied in structure employ different transitions.

The following transitions (transitional tags) are recommended: after all, against, although, but, by comparison, compared to, however, in contrast, meanwhile, where, yet.

One of the common mistakes is giving too much detail to one object and thus neglecting the other. You should dwell on both objects equally.

Conclusion highlights the main ideas of the essay. You are to leave the reader with a powerful summary of your topic.